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From the Canyon to the Moon: Astronaut Training at the Grand Canyon

In preparation for their voyages to the Moon in the 1960s-70s, Apollo astronauts hiked into Grand Canyon to hone their geology skills. Relive these expeditions and hear about why this training was so important. Who is the only one of the 24 astronauts to visit the Moon not to train at Grand Canyon? Join Astronomer-in-Residence alum Kevin Schindler and find out! Also enjoy safe viewing of the Sun through a specially filtered telescope. 

  • Date: September 30, 2026
  • 12:00PM–1:00PM MST
  • Mather Ampitheater
The largest full moon of the year illuminates this first night of 2018 - and our New Year's Resolutions. Zoroaster Temple is the peak on the left.
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Kevin Schindler pictured in front of a NASA vehicle

Kevin Schindler

Astronomer in Residence, 2023

Kevin Schindler is the historian and public information officer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he has worked for 31 years. He has authored nine books, including The Grand Canyon (Past & Present series) and Northern Arizona Space Training. He is an active member of the northern Arizona history and science communities and serves on several boards, including Grand Canyon Historical Society.

Fun fact: Kevin has both a fossil crab and asteroid named after him.

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